SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY —  Democrat Michele Frazier, a former Oneonta City councilmember, has announced her candidacy for the 51st State Senate District in New York. 

This district encompasses Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie and Sullivan counties, along with parts of Broome, Chenango and Ulster counties. The 51st State Senate District in New York is currently represented by Peter Oberacker, a Republican who assumed office on January 1, 2021. On February 28, Oberacker blasted New York’s redistricting, saying Democrats drew lines favorable to themselves before rushing them to the Senate floor. But the effect of redistricting on the 51st is minimal and primarily focuses on congressional districts. Senator Oberacker’s state senate district remains largely unaffected. The state’s highest court ruled that the independent redistricting commission did not follow the proper process and ordered them to redraw district boundaries by February 28.

Frazier, who lives in Delhi, grew up in Oneonta where her family operated a greenhouse business for over three decades.

She said there is an urgent need for a representative who will address challenges faced by rural New York, especially in the provision of essential services, education, and support. 

She said that as a local Realtor and criminal justice instructor at SUNY Delhi, she understands the importance of affordable housing, reliable internet access, and high-quality childcare. She also advocates for expanding crisis services to enhance mental health support to relieve the burden on law enforcement and first responders.

Frazier has endorsements from Democratic groups, including the Chenango, Sullivan, Delaware, Otsego County Democrats, and the Town of Middlefield and Delhi Democrats. For more information, visit her website at michelefrazierfor51.com.